Madrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins.
In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the archaeological evidence around the Royal Palace and La Latina to uncover why this significant history remains so hidden and set the record straight about the city's Islamic past.
Madrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins.
In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the archaeological evidence around the Royal Palace and La Latina to uncover why this significant history remains so hidden and set the record straight about the city's Islamic past.
To get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook or to buy a copy of Quiet Madrid, visit The Making of Madrid
David Price, owner of The Secret Kingdoms bookshop in Madrid takes us through some autumnal reads. He also discusses his personal essay about his love affair with Madrid that was published by Ybernia press in the recently released Stray Cats compilation as well as the Guide to Madrid’s Literary District, a book he and I launched last year.
For more about the podcast and to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook, visit The Making of Madrid.
Overtourism has become an increasing problem in Madrid with rising accommodation costs, endless queues and growing resentment from locals making tourists think twice before booking a trip.
A trip to Kyoto this summer on assignment for Lonely Planet made me view the problem from a different angle as the Japanese city is dealing with similar issues. Is Madrid still worth visiting? Check out this latest episode to find out why I think it is and what you can do to avoid the crowds.
Tucked away under the palace is this lush green oasis that not many people stumble upon because the access points are not that obvious. One of the destinations featured in my new book Quiet Madrid, this place is a world away from the Madrid most tourists encounter. For more, visit my blog.
Usera is a foodie's heaven with Chinese, South American and Spanish options galore. Here I've listed all my favourite places to eat out. If you follow my advice, I guarantee you'll eat well and cheaply. For links to restaurants, check my website.
Proof that there is fun to be had in August even though half the city has decamped to the beach! In this episode I introduce three festivals held in Lavapiés during our hottest month. In it you'll learn what a verbena, a vestido chinés and a manton de manila is as well as hear a little bit of my impromptu singing of a zarzuela classic! For more on the topic, visit The Making of Madrid.
Proof that there is life outside Madrid's M30 ring road, the second part of my Guide to Usera goes into what to see and do in Usera from checking out its groovy sundials, to mooching round Chinatown to cycling by the river. For more info, visit my website.
My essential Madrid Summer Survival Guide takes you through strategies for enjoying Spain's capital during its scorching summer months. Join me as I explore how to navigate Madrid like a local when temperatures soar above 40°C (100F)—from booking accommodations in the cooler northern neighbourhoods to embracing the traditional siesta rhythm. I'll share insider tips on early morning explorations, air-conditioned cultural havens, refreshing green spaces, and nightlife that comes alive after sunset. Whether you're seeking refuge in historic churches with naturally cooling stone walls, planning your visit to municipal pools, or looking for the best rooftop terraces with cooling breezes, this guide delivers practical advice for travellers determined to experience Madrid's rich cultural offerings without melting in the Mediterranean sun.
For more info visit my blog
In the heart of old Madrid and yet a world apart from the touristy mayhem surrounding the royal palace, La Latina is the perfect place to base a stay in the city. For me, the steeply sloping squares and cobbled streets of the barrio (neighbourhood) offer a tranquil retreat into historic Madrid. By contrast, the bustling Cava Baja and in Mercado de Cebada in the upper section are a foodie heaven. A little bit more grown-up than Malasaña and Lavapiés, it has a sophisticated, traditional vibe that's hard to beat, delivering the perfect mix for a delightful stay.
For links, visit my website.
In this episode, I'll be exploring how short-term vacation rentals are contributing to the housing crisis in Madrid, where locals increasingly struggle with skyrocketing rents and limited housing availability. In it, you'll hear about the human impact of these changes and practical alternatives for responsible tourism. Despite sensationalist reports, Spaniards are not asking for all tourists to go home, merely that we fix a broken model.
For more information, visit my website.
To celebrate the Puertas Abiertas (open doors) art festival on May 31, this episode explores the history of Usera: how it went from being a quiet rural area to one of Madrid's most multicultural and creative districts. In it I talk about how the area resisted Nationalist troops during the Civil War, controversies over the name of its most famous estate and where most of its Chinese population hails from. The first of a three part guide to Madrid's Usera district, this one is close to my heart as this is my barrio (neighbourhood)!Further reading/watching:Colonias of MadridShanty towns in MadridEspacio Oculto organizes the Puertas Abiertas festivalVideo (in Spanish) about Qingtian, where most Chinese in Usera hail from
It's the fiestas de San Isidro right now and to celebrate Madrid's biggest festival, here's a video of me discussing typically Madrileño terms with my husband Sergio de Isidro. Here you'll find out about festival food, how to dress as a chulapo and chulapa, how to dance the chotis and much more! Oh, and you'll also meet our gato (cat), Jiji, the most Madrileño member of our household!
In this episode, I sit down with Katharine Cannings, a teacher, author, TV presenter, and entrepreneur who's been running Fun Box English for 18 years. Katharine shares insights from her new book, Fluent Families: A Road Map to Your Bilingual Home, drawing on both her professional experience teaching English through storytelling and her personal journey raising bilingual children in Madrid. From debunking common myths about language acquisition to offering practical strategies for multilingual families, Katharine provides a refreshingly flexible approach to raising children who can navigate multiple languages and cultures with confidence.
To celebrate the launch of my new guidebook, this episode takes a close look at three featured destinations in Quiet Madrid: Campo del Moro gardens, the Museum of Arts and Traditions, and Cine Dore cinema. Here, I take a deep dive into the history of each of these places and give tips on how best to enjoy each experience. All of these off-the-beaten path attractions are far from your usual tourist traps and provide a welcome respite from the tumult of Spain's capital city.
Not all Madrid attractions are worth the hype! In this episode, I reveal the most overrated spots in the city—and where you should go instead. From overcrowded markets to underwhelming landmarks, I’ll break down why some famous places just don’t live up to expectations. But don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging! I’ll also share my favorite underrated gems—hidden museums, quiet art spaces, and secret squares that most tourists miss. Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of Madrid, this episode will help you explore the city like a local.
Did you know Madrid produces some cracking wine? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Daracott, co-owner of Madrid & Daracott and host of The Spanish Wine Experience podcast, to find out more about Madrid’s wine scene. From an exploration of the region’s Garnacha and Albillo wines, to why local wines are still hard to find in Madrid’s bars, we covered a lot of ground. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious about Madrid’s food and drink culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Join me for a wild ride through Madrid's most rebellious festival - the Burial of the Sardine. From rotten fish and royal mishaps to Franco's ban and Goya's artistic legacy, discover the surprising story behind this unique Ash Wednesday celebration that turns Lenten solemnity on its head.
In today's episode, I'm diving into the fascinating world of Madrid's street names and the stories behind them. From ancient traditions and local legends to controversial changes in modern times, street signs tell us so much more than just how to navigate the city. Join me, as I uncover the tales behind some of Madrid's most intriguing street names, starting with a neighbourhood that button-makers, reformist mayors, and even beloved fictional characters have called home.
In this episode, I sit down with the presenter of Spain to Go to settle the burning question of which city is better. Daniel has lived in both Madrid and Barcelona so he's a great person to weigh in on this debate that runs the gamut from speaking Catalan, to beach life, to architecture, to the cost of living. Not one for football fans!